29 May 2026
THE BUSINESS OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL: GROWTH, VALUE, AND SUSTAINABILITY
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest, Football Benchmark and SFS will bring together leading stakeholders from across the football industry for a discussion on the business of European football.
At the heart of the event is the presentation of Football Benchmark’s “Football Clubs’ Valuation: The European Elite 2026”, the annual report that has ranked the most valuable clubs in European football by enterprise value since 2016.
The event will feature three panel discussions covering key topics across the game. The opening panel will explore the main drivers of club value creation, including investment, commercial growth, and financial sustainability. A second discussion will focus on the rise of Como 1907 as a case study in ambitious club development, examining the club’s rapid progression and broader growth strategy. The final panel will look at player workload, the evolving match calendar, and the importance of supporting the long-term sustainability of the game on the pitch.
Together, the discussions will provide insight into the value, growth, and sustainability dynamics shaping the modern football landscape.
Programme
12:45
Welcome & networking lunch
13:30
The European Elite 2026: Value and financial sustainability in the game
Discussion focused on key insights from Football Benchmark’s Football Clubs’ Valuation: The European Elite 2026 report, the main drivers of club value creation, and financial sustainability in European football.
- Moderator: Andrea Sartori (Founder & CEO, Football Benchmark)
- Speakers: Andrea Traverso (Executive Director of Financial Sustainability and Research, UEFA)
14:30
Scaling clubs in a regulated era: The rise of Como 1907
Discussion exploring Como 1907’s rapid rise from lower leagues to competing for European qualification, examining the club’s transformation, strategic approach, organisational development, and the challenges of building sustainable long-term growth.
- Moderator: Pedro Pinto
- Speaker: Mirwan Suwarso (President, Como 1907)
15:15
Player workload and the match calendar: Managing growth sustainably
Discussion with FIFPRO on the role of player workload in the modern football landscape, the balance between sporting performance and commercial growth, and how stakeholders can help support long-term sustainability on the pitch.
- Moderator: Pedro Pinto
- Speakers: Maheta Molango (Board Member, FIFPRO, CEO, PFA)
16:00
Final remarks
- Moderator: Pedro Pinto
- Andrea Sartori (Founder & CEO, Football Benchmark)
- Riccardo Nasuti (Strategic Advisor, SFS)
16:10
Closing coffee
APPLY TO ATTEND
Please note: Participation in this event is by invitation only, with a limited number of additional places available to executives and senior professionals in the football industry. Interested individuals are invited to register their interest via this page; however, submitting a request does not guarantee attendance. All applications will be reviewed and confirmations issued closer to the event date, subject to availability and alignment with the event audience. Attendance is complimentary.